Vernon L. (Doodles) McLaughlin, 78, of Whiting passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at home. Doodles was a car painter for many years. He also spent many years as a landscaper for Gambler Ridge Golf Course, Cream Ridge.

Born in Trenton, he resided in Jackson Twp., Brick, and Lakehurst before moving to Whiting. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 during the Vietnam War in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment and received 2 purple hearts. Doodles was an honorary life member of the Fleet Reserve Association #124, Lakehurst. He carried out the grit, pride and deep discipline of his service with him every single day of his life most visibly in the Blackhorse hat he proudly wore each day.

Doodles is survived by his wife, Janice Engel, his sons, Vernon (Jay) McLaughlin, Jr., of Brick, Ian Engel and his wife, Rachel of Whiting, Jason Goldie of Lacey Twp., his daughter Leeann Rizzo and her husband, Ray of Whiting, his brother Maurice (Mac) and his wife, Peggy of Tarpon Springs, FL, his sister Joannie Pressure of Hightstown, his sister-in-law Yvonne Day of Lakehurst, his grandsons, Justin McLaughlin and his wife, Gillian, Lance C. Smith, Rodney J. Sloan, II, and many other grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his niece Lori Hammill and her husband, Michael, and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

To know Doodles was to know a man of extraordinary character. He possessed an infectious smile that brought warmth and light to every room he entered. He will be remembered by his family as the most courageous and selfless man they knew. Doodles legacy of bravery and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Visitation Sunday November 8, 2026, from 5-7pm at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst. Interment 1pm Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. Funeral procession will depart from the funeral home at 12:15pm.